Our program is one of the most rigorous at the University and our students and faculty are exhilarated by the difficult challenge of figuring out how the world works! Studying Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics is a very effective way to develop imagination, as well as critical and abstract thinking, whether or not you aspire to a career in science or technology. In addition, it is important to develop a solid understanding of principles that govern science and technology, so that as a society of well-informed citizens, we can make rational decisions on important issues, even as the pace of scientific and technological development continues to increase dramatically.

Studying Physics & Astronomy provides inherent pleasure and satisfaction, and additionally our graduates are prepared to pursue a variety of technical-related careers, ranging from academic or industrial scientist, to physician or patent attorney. If you aspire to a career in one of these areas, have something else in mind, or are simply intrigued by the challenge of mastering Physics, the faculty and staff of the Department of Physics and Astronomy are committed to helping you, our students, obtain the best education and training possible and to help you achieve success!

This track is designed to prepare a student to become a physics teacher in Utah. A student on this track will also need to meet the State Office of Education education requirements to become certified as a secondary education teacher; therefore, a student wishing to become a certified teacher will also need to complete the teachers education training program through the College of Education.

Learning Outcomes

• Program graduates will demonstrate a mastery of Physics and Astronomy that will allow them to teach any course offered in secondary schools.
• Program graduates will meet content courses State requirements for Science: Physics Endorsement and for Science: Physical Science Endorsement.
• Program graduates will have an understanding and familiarity with Utah State Secondary Core Curriculum in Science-Physics.
• Program graduates will demonstrate skills in organizing content knowledge for student learning and selecting appropriate evaluation strategies that align with goals of lessons to directly measure student mastery of the content.
• Program graduates will demonstrate skills in organizing content knowledge by providing differentiated instructions and curriculum, adaptations, and modifications necessary to promote student learning.
• Program graduates will demonstrate skills in assessment of student learning including development and administration of assessment instruments and using the results to modify student placement and instruction.
• Program graduates will demonstrate skills in creating an environment for student learning/classroom management.
• Program graduates will demonstrate an understanding of teaching professionalism and ethical responsibility.